How to Pull Off Mismatched Eyeshadow

January 25, 2022

By: Ariel Wodarcyk | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

Whether you’re not sure which eyeshadow to dip into or you just tore open a new palette and want to play with more than one shade, rocking mismatched eye makeup is a fun, Rainbow Brite-inspired trend to indulge in. Below, we gathered up some of our favorite color combinations on Instagram, from dreamy pastel eyes to punchy neon shadows that frame the eye like a flower.

Sherbert Haze

For a surprisingly subtle take on the mismatched eyeshadow trend, coat your lids in soft coral and pink shades, as seen here on @simonelimbu. A wash of glitter and subtly flushed lips and cheeks keep the look soft and wearable.

Ultraviolet Flames

Amp up the drama with two equally bright colors. We love the way @berenizebarreto highlighted her inner corners with slightly lighter hues for a multidimensional look that pops.

Swingin’ ’60s

Between banana eyeliner (that thick line of eyeliner that’s floating above the crease) and an exaggerated lower lash line, this look screams ’60s mod. Bring it into the current century with bold mismatched eyeshadow shades. Here, @heathermoorhouse_ took color inspo from a beloved relic of the 2010s: the Nintendo Switch.

Cotton Candy Clouds

For an ethereal vibe, reach for sunrise-inspired shades of blue, pink and purple, as seen here on @stellarro. Make your inner corners sparkle by patting on the duo-chrome glitter shadows in the Urban Decay Naked Cyber Eyeshadow Palette.

Citrus Splash

Make your lids look like lemon and orange wedges with this zingy, neon shadow combination. Sticking with two warm tones on the eyes and a neutral lip keeps the look cohesive.

Popsicle Puddles

This is far from your basic black smoky eye. @frankiepdarling used the NYX Professional Makeup Pigments to make the centers of her lids gleam.

Fluoro Flora

Bedazzled eyes and neon watermelon pinks and greens make for an eyeshadow look that cannot be missed. We recommend applying colorful rhinestones like these with a pair of tweezers, a little bit of eyelash glue and a whole lot of patience.

Photo: @simonelimbu